Website: www.uspspostoffices.com/ca/mount-laguna/mount-laguna. Sights that boggle the mind are visible each night in the clear dark skies over Southern California's Anza-Borrego Desert. Caltech Astronomy| Research at Palomar Observatory is pursued by a broad community of astronomers from . observations can be obtained each night during the year. on official, secure websites. The observatory is open to the public year-round Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 5 p.m. We offer three kinds: 60-inch Telescope Sessions, 100-inch Telescope Sessions, and "Hyper" nights, where attendees will use both . The Cleveland National Forest, which encloses the Laguna Mountain Recreation area, as well as Palomar mountain, has been protected by San Diego county ordinance from excessive development. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation or cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of Southern California. Share sensitive information only This classic telescope has superb optics for viewing by eye. 8000 square degree fields every two minutes. Orchard Hill Country Inn2502 Washington St. PO Box 2410Julian, CA 92036(760) 765-1700information@orchardhill.com. Mount Laguna Observatory (MLO) is operated by the SDSU Department of Astronomy to support its research, training, and educational programs. The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. The telescope mount, built by Astro-Mechanics, is of equatorial off-axis design. The Grism spectrograph gives the observer wavelength coverage from 4000 to 7000 Angstroms at 6.7 Angstroms per pixel on the TI 800x800 CCD. website belongs to an official government organization in the During World War II, the area was used as a training ground for soldiers, and a number of barracks and other structures were built. Telescopes| and administered by Caltech Single blocks mean separate forecast data for each hour. Guests are permitted to visit Lick Observatory at night by purchasing a ticket to theSummer Seriesfrom June through September. Potential jobs include but are not limited to working as a technician, image analyst, instrument maker, optician, software developer, telescope operator, science communicator, astronomy researcher or teacher. Frequent outreach events and department gatherings foster a close-knit feel among students and faculty. Mount Laguna is along the start of the Pacific Crest Trail that goes from Campo near the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Mount Laguna Observatory CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Lab SDSU Schwartz Astronomical Society Unistellar eVscope 2 Transferable Skills Problem solving skills Abstract and formal reasoning skills Identify and rectify problems Explain processes Perform mathematical analyses Describe technical information to laypersons Sort and prioritize data It is a world-class center of astronomical research that is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology. There are no gasoline or automative services at Mt. The observatory is more than 20 miles from downtown San Jose along Mt. The telescope is run jointly by San Diego State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. outdoor lighting with the goals of minimizing light pollution and maintaining Fecker, Inc., is used for instructional support of our General Education Astronomy classes and labs and for special SDSU public outreach programs. Located fifty miles East of San Diego, at an altitude of over 6100 ft. (1859 meters), nestled in the remoteness and isolation of the Cleveland National Forest, Mount Laguna Observatory is where astronomers from San Diego State University conduct research into the nature of the universe. Preservation of the forest greenery surrounding the Observatory reduces ground-level turbulent air currents which affect image stability and improves telescope performance. Hikers, bicycle riders and motorcyclists, snow enthusiasts, cross-country skiers, naturalists, those looking for a weekend getaway, cabin owners and private property owners are drawn to these mountains for stays of a few hours, many days or to make their home. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Enjoy a short informal talk about Lick history while taking a look at the Great Lick Refractor in the 36-inch telescope dome (no charge). An official website of the Mount Laguna Observatory: This observatory is operated by San Diego State University and is open to the public on weekends. It was built by the SDSU Department of Astronomy and used at the main campus from 1961 to 1966. It was donated to SDSU by Reginald Buller and dedicated at MLO in 1988. Post Office boxes are available for rent. Mount Laguna Observatory is located forty-five miles east of downtown San Diego on the eastern edge of the Cleveland National Forest at an altitude of 6100 feet (1859 meters). Experts will be on hand to answer questions about what your looking at and about the telescopes. For information about the MLO Summer Visitors Program, please call 619-594-1415. The photometer isn't used much on the 40" as it is primarily used for direct imaging. How Native Americans Used Fire on Mt Laguna, 2022 Wildfire Fuels Reduction Grant Awarded. The Observatory is operated as part of the Astronomy Department at San Diego State University. With the worst month for observing being March. It's not unusual to see SDSU or local community college students here working on research projects or school activities. Situated in the Laguna Mountains, one hour from San Diego, all four seasons are a visual delight. San Diego, CA 92127 Map showing recreational areas. LockA locked padlock Laguna Observatory is the main research instrument and was moved here in an association with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Laguna Mountain Visitor Center: This center provides information about the area's history, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Our popular Public Ticket Nights allow individuals, rather than just groups, to experience the thrill of viewing celestial objects through our large, historic telescopes, the 60 and 100 inch telescopes-the two largest in the world dedicated to public viewing. 10678 Sunrise Hwy - Mt. Five years after beginning its dark-sky journey, the southern California mountain town of Julian has been accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) as an International Dark Sky Community. It also has exhibits on the local ecology and geology. Localities in the Area Mount Laguna Village Photo: Hotboxers, CC BY-SA 3.0. Mount Laguna Observatory site 360-degree view 32.84N 116.43W at about 6180 feet These cameras and their image data server have been provided by San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). 2023 San Diego State University | All Rights Reserved, Diversity Statement in Support of Black Lives. Mount Laguna stands at 6,000 feet and is a pine and oak forest. This instrument will improve spectral resolution as well as stability over the older spectrographic instruments, and is due for completion within the year. (an extension of the Baja California Peninsular Range), and as such Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall. . General Store, gift shop and cabin rental. includes an observatory atop a mountain (see right). Less than an hour from downtown San Diego, nestled in the mountains of the Cleveland National Forest, lies Mount Laguna Observatory, operated by the SDSU Department of Astronomy. Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall. The area's elevation of over 6,000 feet above sea level means that temperatures are generally cooler than in lower-lying areas. 9 Miles north of Interstate 8 Just north of Mile Marker 23 on Sunrise Highway Next door to Burnt Rancheria - 20 Miles or 25 minutes from Julian, CA 18 Miles or 20 minutes from the Cuyamacas. Just to the east is the Anza-Borrego State Park, While on campus, I presented planetarium programs and served as president of the Astronomical Society. The volunteer Association operates under the supervision of the Forest Service. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the 200-inch telescope daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Palomar Observatory is located approximately 45 minutes from Julian. In 1971 it was installed at MLO after modifications. 10845 Rancho Bernardo Road Only 50 miles from San Diego and at 6,000 feet, Mount Laguna offers store, motels and cabins in the beautiful Cleveland National Forest. FAQ| Mount Laguna Observatory Summer Star Parties: Every Friday and Saturday during the summer at the Mt. The Visitor Center is operated by Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association and staffed by LMVA volunteers. Humidity is generally low, and rainfall is infrequent during this time of year. It's stocked with trout and catfish, and there's a marina where visitors can rent boats. News| Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: This park is located just east of the Laguna Mountains and is home to a diverse array of desert wildlife and plants. Tours| Mount Laguna has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the winter the road may be closed temporarily due to snowfall. Mount Laguna is situated nearby to the areas SDSU Astronomy Campus and Rodeo Grounds. Thus, on these dark nights, the sky brightness at the zenith in the Johnson B filter averages 22.8 magnitudes per square arcsecond. View full map. Visitors' Center. This page is based on GeoNames, Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons. Astronomers are working with the city council to devise useful alternatives. The 1.0m (39in) Ultra-Light Technology for Research in Astronomy (ULTRA) telescope was a test bed for lightweight carbon-fiber mirrors. Presently the undergraduate students are able to conduct research under the supervision of the faculty using the observatory's 16" telescope or the 24" Smith telescope. Our students leadobservational projects with these telescopes under the advisementof the faculty. Astronomy students from SDSU General Education classes and labs, and visitors from special SDSU public outreach programs, view, with remarkable clarity, anything from craters . Laguna. Palomar Observatory is closed while repairs are being made to facilities damaged by snow and water during the recent storms. It's a popular destination for camping, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. The Observatory is operated by San Diego State University as the primary The multi-camera array is excellent for detecting eclipsing binaries and stellar activity. An official website of the Just to the east is the Anza-Borrego State Park, which is the largest state park in the nation. The area is covered in a mix of chaparral, pine, and oak woodland vegetation, with patches of meadows and wetlands throughout. The telescope can also have a either a Grism or Cassegrain spectrograph attached to it. 10845 Rancho Bernardo Road Each year, Julian hosts a stargazing festival with astronomers guiding visitors. 2023 Regents of the University of California. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. Much of the undergraduate research done on these telescopes is ultimately used as the basis for a senior project or Master's thesis. Area Status: Open Laguna Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Hamilton Road at an elevation of 4,200 feet. The observatory is home to five telescopes that are nightly used for a wide variety of astronomical research programs. The Laguna Mountains form the geographic backbone of San Diego County, dividing the western inland and coastal areas from the eastern desert. Check out the LMVA website for more information. LockA locked padlock Periodically SDSU offers nighttime observatory viewing and programs for the public. The Visitor Center is open on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. 2436 reviews. The Mount Laguna Observatory is owned and operated by SDSU under permit from the Cleveland National Forest. Each of these instruments is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic detectors used primarily to measure the brightnesses of stars. Measurements of the brightness of the night sky, caused primarily by the feeble glow of our own atmosphere, establish that the sky here is as dark as that at the darkest known major observatory sites in the continental US. generated by Attilla Danko. Visitors| Lick Observatory is located on the summit of Mount Hamilton, California, roughly 20 miles east of San Jose. The QE of this CCD peaks at approximately 98% at 5500 Angstroms. Connected blocks mean one forecast calculation for several hours. Take a short walk to the Shane Dome to view the 120-inch Reflector from the Visitors Gallery. Lastly the one meter can have a automated photometer attached to it. **The Julian StarFest will not be held in 2021 due to Covid, check back for event dates in 2022.**. The Schwartz Astronomical Society regularly hosts star-gazing nights, planetarium shows and socials for students and community members. The multi-camera array is excellent for detecting eclipsing binaries and stellar activity. San Diego, CA 92127 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Talks begin at the Gift Shop at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 p.m. At the Gift Shop check out Lick Observatory sweatshirts, T-shirts, mugs, wineglasses, astronomical photos, posters, educational toys, and other astronomy-related goodies. Instrument and CCD development are carried out at the on-campus mechanical and electronics shops. Map. Congratulations Julian! Lake Cuyamaca: This lake is located just east of the Laguna Mountains and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Pine Valley Locality Photo: Rsduhamel, CC BY-SA 3.0. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547). Mount Laguna Observatory ( MLO) is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by San Diego State University (SDSU). Name: Mount Laguna Observatory (MLO) Address: Morris Ranch Rd Location: San Diego State: CA Zip: 92182-1221 Contact: website Mount Laguna Observatory (MLO) Lick Observatory is an active research facility, and at night all of the buildings are locked and astronomers are working at the darkened telescopes. Updated Fri 28 Apr 2023 6:22 am PDT. direct glare. Colorful stars, stellar clusters, planets, star-forming nebulae, Earth-orbiting satellites, distant galaxies and more. The Post Office sells postage, mailing materials, general delivery, money orders, package mailing, and other basic postal services. At 4209 feet, weather on Mt. Mount Laguna is a mountain in San Diego County and has an elevation of 6,027 feet. Yes, that is snow on the ground. There is also unlimited hiking in nearby parks and preserve. Mount Laguna Observatory (MLO) is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by San Diego State University (SDSU). . In the winter, temperatures are generally cooler, with daytime highs in the 50s and 60s and nighttime lows in the 30s and 40s. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. This virtual tour was originally photographed and formatted by The 0.6m (24in) Clifford Smith 24-inch Telescope is a Cassegrain reflector. . quality of life for their residences by reducing upward pointing light and As two of the best, Palomar and Mount Laguna Observatories currently meet all of the criteria to be classified as premier astronomical sites. Explore Mount Laguna Trails - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Laguna, CA 91948, 10600 Sunrise Highway, Mt. As the sky begins to darken, prepare for a dazzling display of heavenly bodies. ) or https:// means you've safely Mount Laguna receives a generous dusting of snow each winter, sometimes rendering the roads impassable. The facility is equipped with campfire rings, flush toilet restrooms and coin-operated showers. In addition to the faculty at San Diego State University and the University of Illinois, graduate students use the 40" for observations leading to their thesis. Site Map, Caltech Optical Observatories| Graduate student Alex Dimoff will be moving to Germany to start a PhD [], 2023 San Diego State University | All Rights Reserved, Diversity Statement in Support of Black Lives, Schwartz Astronomical Society Observes Green Comet, MESA Program Sets Women in STEM Up for Success, Department Purchases Unistellar eVscope 2, Students Succeeding through the Cal-Bridge Program, SDSU Astronomers Discover Two New Planets around Double Star Systems, A Third Planet in the Kepler-47 Circumbinary System, Theodore William Booth and Nhung Lu Booth, Graduate Student Ashley LeMasters Explains Dark Energy and HETDEX, What You Need to Know about the Perseid Meteor Shower, Robert Quimby to Give Lecture At Alpine Library. Mount Laguna Observatory (MLO) San Diego SFSU Observatory San Francisco Fremont Peak Observatory San Juan Bautista Yuba City Astronomical Observatory Santa Ana San Fernando Observatory (SFO) Sylmar Table Mountain Observatory (TMO) Wrightwood former graduate student John McDonald (MS, 1995). Sunset Trail: This is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. research, teaching, and training facility of its Department of Astronomy. The EvryScope is a Multiple aperture (24x) .062m (2.4in) survey telescope taking Appx. We do have wheelchair access to the main building from the back. Visitors should be prepared for temperature fluctuations and the possibility of snow during the winter months, particularly if planning to engage in outdoor activities at higher elevations. The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. This large facility has five loops of campsites, with sites fairly close to one another. One campsite meets accessibility standards. Displays explain the Shane reflector, one of the major telescopes used to discover extrasolar planets. Edit This Place. IR satellite map for southern CA from NOAA The Laguna Visitors Center is located on Sunrise Highway (mile marker 23.5) in the heart of Mount Laguna. The Visitor Center will have information about dates the Observatory is open for night sky viewing. I get to work at an observatory and then when I go home, my wife Stacy is an SDSU Astronomy grad as well. The three major research instruments and their auxiliary equipment are: the 50-inch (1.25-meter) Phillips Claud reflector with KU, currently under construction (4K^2 CCD camera system); the 40-inch (1.0-meter) reflector with UIUC, manufactured by Astro Mechanics, Inc. (two CCD cameras, Cassegrain spectrograph, near-IR camera, automated photometer, Coude bench spectrograph); and the Clifford Smith 24-inch (0.6-meter) reflector (automated photometer, SBIG CCD camera). Current institutional partners include the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and the University of Kansas (KU). Standard UBVRI, Stromgren and DDO filter sets are used with each instrument. Laguna Observatory; For information and free tickets . View exhibits in the main Observatory building, built in 1888. Here are some of the top attractions in the area: These are just a few of the many attractions that Mount Laguna has to offer. 78% is still high in comparison to most other locations. Directions| open clusters and planetary nebulae are quite observable in below average . Located fifty miles east of downtown San Diego and about fifty miles south of the Mount Palomar Observatory (also located in the Cleveland National Forest), and at an altitude of 6100 feet, the Mount Laguna Observatory tour starts here at the parking lot and the Star Party Trailhead. Your tour of Mount Laguna Observatory starts in front of the Awona Harrington [3] Currently SDSU is working with University of Kansas (KU), and UNC Chapel Hill on various projects. As the gold dwindled, homesteaders realized that the area was ideal for growing apples and pears as well as abundant grazing for cattle. It is the thirtieth such designation in IDA history, and only the second in California. The observatory is open 7 days a week, year round, except for December 24 and 25 and during times of inclement weather, and for now, global pandemic. Lick Observatory, established in 1888, is a part of the, The Lick Observatory Eclipse Expeditions General Relativity and the Bending of Starlight. Mt Laguna Observatory(MLO) is an observatory in San Diego County and has an elevation of 6,184 feet. Snow is not uncommon in the area during the winter months, particularly at higher elevations. [1] The telescope was operated in partnership with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) until 2000. Additionally, our students obtain useful skills in programming in Python and MATLAB as well as how to assemble and maintain modern astronomy instruments. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area. and Oceanside, have ordinances and codes directed towards the wise use of Visitors are asked to respect the fence boundary and comply with the maximum site occupancy. The highest point in the Mount Laguna area is called Cuyamaca Peak, which rises to an elevation of 6,512 feet above sea level. Public Information. Each year numerous Pacific Crest Trail hikers come through the community to rest and rejuvenate before tackling the next leg of their arduous journey. The mountain range is characterized by its rugged terrain, including steep slopes, deep canyons, and rocky outcroppings. The Observatory has four-telescopes ranging in size from 21 inches to 50 inches. is owned and operated by Caltech, Laguna CA 91948. SDSU's Department of Astronomy offers incredible opportunities for students to gain experience as leaders, researchers and science teachers. Mount Laguna is part of the Southern California Coastal Range on the eastern edge of the Cleveland National Forest at an altitude of Hours: Monday-Friday, 12:00 4:00 pm,Saturday 9:00 am -11:00 am. Telescopes require the darkest possible conditions to detect the faint light from celestial objects.The success of our work relies upon minimizing lights around the observatory at night. Lick Observatory is located on the summit of Mount Hamilton, California, roughly 20 miles east of San Jose. The Cassegrain spectrograph can be operated with gratings betwenn 400 and 1200 lines per millimeter to vary coverage. MLO was dedicated on June 19, 1968, seven years after SDSU's Department of Astronomy[2] became an independent academic department of SDSU's College of Sciences. Considered one of the finest observing locations in the continental U.S., now with four telescopes at their disposal, the faculty and students of the astronomy department are endowed with a superbly equipped facility located in an outstanding site. United States government. Fecker, Inc. Hamilton may be cool and changeable, so bring a sweater or coat. MLGC1 RAWS weather station; Satellite Images. It is located on Sunrise Highway at the junction of Los Huecos Rd. Boating and fishing are close on Lake Cuyamaca. Observatory support staff includes a resident astronomer, an engineer, and the observatory superintendent. Laguna Mountain Recreation Area: This area encompasses over 6,000 acres of forested mountains, meadows, and streams. For current road closure information, Visit theCalifornia Highway Informationwebsite and enter Hwy #130. MLO has grown to include four well-equipped telescopes, ranging in size from 21- to 50-inches (0.5- to 1.25-meters), which are used for research by the faculty and students. This remoteness, along with the high percentage of clear nights and excellent seeing, makes Mount Laguna one of the best overall observatory sites in the continental United States. Support Among the Stars Thanks for contributing to our open data sources. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock on official, secure websites. (Local time for Mount Laguna Observatory is -7.0 hours from GMT.) However this, like most other parameters, is a relative number. Map showing recreational areas. The five criteria for a high-quality site include: 6100 feet (1859 meters). With a high percentage of clear nights and protection from the urban lighting of San Diego, this is one of the best overall observatory sites in the continental United States. Agriculture Forest Service. ) or https:// means you've safely ", Noreen Grice ('87), Founder and Director at You Can Do Astronomy, "SDSU supported my foundational knowledge of astronomy. United States. Bring a picnic lunch to eat, or grab a snack or soda at our vending machines. Mt. Volunteers engage in many activities that help make our mountain more enjoyable. You can take this star tour using the many telescopes set-up in the viewing area. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Ambient weather current conditions; HPWREN Mount Laguna 360 degree web cams; Weather Logs. ", Dr. Rachel Bezanson will share how shes using the newest NASA observatory the James Webb Space Telescope to learn about the earliest galaxies. It is located off Sunrise Highway at the eastern edge of the Forest on Mt. which results in steady atmospheric conditions (or "seeing"). The observatory is home to five telescopes that are nightly used for a wide variety of astronomical research programs. Research| Make your trip to Lick Observatory a memorable one with our recommendations. ( Pacific Crest Trail: This trail runs through the Laguna Mountains and is popular with hikers and backpackers. Caltech. SDSU's Mount Laguna Observatory houses one of two EvryScopes in the world. The Kumeyaay were known for their extensive knowledge of the land and its resources, including the medicinal properties of plants and the use of acorns as a staple food source. website belongs to an official government organization in the The area has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by the Kumeyaay people. Give| And don't forget to try an apple pie from your favorite bakery in town. Sky conditions at MLO are photometric 60% of the time and spectroscopic 75% of the time. Flush toilets, bathrooms, and picnic tables also provide a great family setting for an afternoon outside - and since the temperatures in the area remain on the cooler side year round (due to the higher elevation), it makes for great recreation any time of the year. The area is also home to the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, which includes campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Many of our graduates find employment in industry, with astronomical observatories or with government agencies. It is located off Sunrise Highway at the eastern edge of the Forest on Mt. Reviews (2,436) Photos (12,964) 5: 4: 3: 2: 1: 4.7. Gold discovered in a nearby creek brought an on-rush of prospectors in the 1870s. San Diego State University Mount Laguna Observatory. The Center has a good selection of books, maps gifts and knowledgable volunteers who can answer questions about areas to hike, points of interest, and current conditions on the mountain. Admission is free, and tours of inside the dome of the 36-inch Great Refractor are given every hour on the half hour by the Gift Shop. The dark sky near each of these observatories is therefore protected. 10678 Sunrise Highway, Mt. The 0.52m (20in) Reginald Buller 21-inch Visitors' Telescope was built in 1950 by J.W. The monthly average precipitation is less than 1 inch falling on an average of just 4 days. Its remoteness, along with the high percentage of clear nights and excellent seeing, makes Mount Laguna one of the best overall observatory sites in the continental United States. It was a time when I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with my astronomy interests and San Diego State more than helped me reignite my passion for astronomy. The Observatory has plans for the construction of a 100" telescope which is not currently funded. Gifts| Continue to the Harrington Visitors' Center, Back to SDSU Astronomy Dept. Coming from all parts of Southern California from the coast to the California-Arizona border, visitors are attracted to the mountain in all seasons. connected to the .gov website. The 2k CCD is operated in single readout mode, and has 15 micron pixels. Before it was installed, the original dome was replaced with a larger one, and the mount upgraded. Not all observatories are open to the public - please contact them beforehand for any public viewing schedules and outreach programs. The Post Office is located at 810 Sunrise Highway right next to the Mt. The city of San Diego, however, recently repealed its commitment to low pressure sodium street lighting, which was useful for reducing light pollution. Amanda Bayless ('06), Research Scientist at The Aerospace Corporation, "The Astronomy Department gave me a great foundation to continue with my graduate studies, earn a Ph.D. and go on to an astronomy career.
